Page 31 - OHS, September 2023

to the working conditions. Overdressing for the cold is just as risky as underdressing. 2. Choose workwear based on activity level. More active workers need less insulation. Less active workers need more. 3. Protect bare skin. Cover all areas exposed to cold, wetness and wind, including the neck, ears and face. 4. Layer your clothing so workers can adjust. The inner layer should wick sweat away from the skin. The mid-layer adds warmth and the outer layer should block wind and wet conditions. 5. Ensure a proper fit. Loose clothing adds bulk and lets in cold drafts. Tight clothing limits mobility and restricts blood flow, making workers feel colder. 6. Avoid sweat build-up. Getting wet means getting cold. Workers should remove a layer when they start sweating. 7. Drink more water and less caffeine. Staying hydrated helps your body operate efficiently for maximum warmth. 8. Eat more. The body works harder to maintain its temperature when it’s cold, so workers may burn calories quicker. 9. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Nicotine and alcohol reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature. 10. Pay attention to your body. Get out of the cold if you experience symptoms of cold stress. Reduce Risk with Cold Weather PPE Whether you provide a uniform that includes insulated jackets, boots and other outerwear or you provide a stipend for employees to purchase their own winter gear, it’s important to know how to choose the cold-weather workwear that best suits the needs of each employee and the demands of the job. First, consider the temperature range on your job site. Then, look for insulated workwear tested and proven for those conditions. Some manufacturers provide a temperature rating for jackets, coveralls, boots and gloves, and that can be helpful in choosing PPE that provides the right level of protection from the cold. Workers also need gear that holds up to daily wear and tear, so durability is vital. Look for gear made with durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics, heavy-duty zippers and rivet reinforcements at stress points. Snag-free, water-repellent fabrics also provide protection from wet conditions and keep the gear looking great for longer, which means it won’t need to be replaced frequently. ThThe toughest winter gear in the world does no good if it’s so bulky and heavy that you can’t do your job. Synthetic insulation is thinner, lighter and warmer than traditional insulating materials, such as down. Look for lightweight insulation that keeps your employees warm without limiting their mobility or range of motion. With a little training and the right insulated workwear, your employees will be ready to outlast and outwork the cold all winter long. S Sa ar a n ie ri in na a M Mc cC Cr ra an ni n i e e i is s a an d workwear and PPE for extremely cold con- ditions. She leads business-to-business mar- keting programs at RefrigiWear, the leading supplier of insulated workwear for people working in freezers, coolers and food process- ing facilities in the global cold chain. REFERENCE 1. azqs.short.gy/2aKtqM n e ex xp pe er rt t o on n i in ns su ul la at te ed MAXimizing Health & Safety Guaranteed. INDUSTRIAL VACUUM CLEANERS Portable • Continuous-Duty • Central Systems VAC-U-MAX offers a full range of ATEX certified, compressed-air operated, industrial vacuum cleaners for flammable liquid, combustible dust & reactive powder. Fill out RFQ at vac-u-max.com/vacuum. Flammable Liquid Combustible Dust Food / Pharma 30-Gallon VAC-U-MAX.COM Combustible Dust 55-Gallon Combustible Dust 15-Gallon (800) VAC-U-MAX COMPRESSED AIR OPERATED Reactive Metal Powder www.ohsonline.com SEPTEMBER 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 31